Dr. Azam Ali Makes Headway into Macular Degeneration in Pakistan

Macular degeneration has long been considered one of the most intriguing challenges for ophthalmologists.  It is a physical disturbance in the retina of the eye, eventually causing permanent central visual loss. The macula is the part of the retina which is capable of providing the most acute and detailed vision, and is used for reading, driving, recognising faces, and fine work. The need for newer and more effective treatment continues, even though considerable research has gone into preventing central visual loss from macular degeneration.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is one of the new procedures  available for patients with macular degeneration. This still infrequently used, specialised laser procedure was only approved in the USA in 2000. Therefore, Pakistani patients with macular degeneration had to go to the United States to benefit from this technological advancement. In December 2002, Dr. Azam Ali (MBBS, ’88), Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology at AKUH, became the third ophthalmic surgeon in Pakistan to utilise this innovative procedure with excellent results.

Dr. Azam Ali (MBBS, '88), Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology at AKU, is the third opthalmic surgeon in Pakistan to perform photodynamic therapy for treatment of macular degeneration.

Photodynamic Therapy is a major improvement because it affects only the bleeding blood vessels under the retina and does not damage the retina itself. While PDT is a milestone in the treatment of eye disorders, it is applicable to certain cases only, such as age-related macular degeneration. It involves the injection of a unique dye followed by special laser application, and has to be done by highly-trained retinal specialists.

 Dr. Azam Ali has been closely monitoring developments taking place in the area of macular degeneration, attending lectures and workshops at international meetings. Prior to performing this procedure at AKUH, he had completed the necessary certification in 2001. He has presented his results at national ophthalmology meetings in Lahore and Karachi, delivered lectures at national and international ophthalmology conferences, and conducted workshops on this procedure nationally and internationally. Recently, he was invited to Bangladesh as a guest speaker on this topic, training local doctors in PDT as well as performing the first three such procedures in that country.